Uncovering Key West's Dark History of "Wrecking"

Did you know that Key West was once a more prosperous city than NYC and Chicago? 😯⛵️ In the 19th century, locals would deceive sailors and boaters by guiding them into shallow waters, intentionally causing their boats to become stuck. They would then offer their services to rescue the stranded vessels for a fee. This unethical practice, known as "wrecking," allowed some families to amass great wealth through salvage operations. Even when the federal government stepped in to regulate the issue by installing markers to indicate shallow areas, locals would secretly move these buoys and markers at night to continue profiting from stranded sailors ;) Key West has a rich history of shipwrecks, with over 1,000 sunken vessels surrounding the island. This has turned it into a paradise for divers, who can explore an underwater museum of ships dating back as far as the 17th century. During our visit, we had an amazing time snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing with @danger_charters. They provided us with captivating stories and made the experience truly memorable. I highly recommend trying out this adventure when you're in Key West.